Colace & Senna w/colostomy?

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2009

You are to never 'hold' a medication without a doctor order. You can hold it, but you must call to get an order afterwards.

I've never heard that this med is not to be given to a pt with a colostomy. Personally, I would think someone with a colostomy would need a stool softener.

A_Simp · Mar 9, 2009

Actually the facility that I work at, we are able to "Hold" medications because we are given parameters. "Hold for loose stool" "Hold for SBP

Not only was the pt refusing the medication, I was able to "Hold for loose stool".

Just looking to clarify what the best nsg practice and standard of care is, when it comes to colostomies and laxatives.

Why do you think that would need a stool softener/laxative? Is it because of they would be at risk for paralytic ileous?

mommyX2 · Mar 10, 2009

I had a patient with a colostomy who was ordered the same meds. I asked the NP about it and she dc'd the order. I think that she just forgot about the colostomy. Did you call the physician and ask about the order?

RN28MD · Mar 10, 2009

I haven't ever run into this problem but I would of called the practitioner to verify or even call pharm. There had to be a good reason for it or it could of easily been an order for another pts that you could catch so it can be dc

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Mar 11, 2009

Why do you think that would need a stool softener/laxative? Is it because of they would be at risk for paralytic ileous?

Just simply because they aren't able to sit and push (valsavla) as we are. Or maybe they can, I don't know. Just seems like it would be more difficult to get the stool out if it was hard.